By: Abdul Mohammed Isa, Abuja
Major General Oluyemi Olatoye has formally taken over as the 34th Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), succeeding Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, who retired after 33 years of distinguished service in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
A statement by the academy spokesperson, Major Mohammed Maidawa, said the taking over ceremony was held at the NDA’s Loyalty Hall, with dignitaries and senior officers in attendance.
Major General Ibrahim described his successor as “a disciplined and thoroughbred Infantry officer with a wealth of experience and broad exposure.”
In his inaugural address, Major General Olatoye expressed gratitude to God and the military authorities for the privilege to lead the NDA.
He pledged to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors and maintain the Academy’s high standards of discipline, academic distinction, and military professionalism.
The new Commandant emphasized his commitment to continuity and excellence, quoting former Australian Army Chief, Lieutenant General David Morrison (rtd), “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
He called for teamwork and collective responsibility, stating, “The success of this Academy depends on the collaboration and commitment of all”.
Major General Olatoye is an accomplished Infantry officer with extensive operational experience, administrative expertise, and strategic insight.
He has held several command, instructional, and staff appointments across the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
With his wealth of experience, Major General Olatoye is expected to bring renewed focus, innovation, and professionalism to the Nigerian Defence Academy’s mission of producing well-rounded, disciplined, and competent officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Olusola Akintonde